Five Charged in Huawei-Linked EU Corruption Probe

A corruption investigation linked to Huawei Technologies has led to the arrest and charging of five individuals in the European Parliament for suspected bribery. The Belgian prosecutor's office reported that four were charged with active corruption and involvement in a criminal organization, while a fifth faces money laundering charges. The investigation, dubbed 'Huawei-gate', alleges that since 2021, Huawei lobbyists offered gifts, including travel and tickets to events, to influence EU lawmakers in favor of the company's interests. Police have conducted extensive searches in Belgium and Portugal, including at Huawei's Brussels headquarters and offices within the European Parliament. As a precautionary measure, Huawei lobbyists have been temporarily banned from the Parliament's premises. The company has stated it takes the allegations seriously and is cooperating with authorities.